Tensions Rise in Gaza as Netanyahu Moves to Take Control from Palestinian Authority

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet had decided to take full control of Gaza, leaving Arab forces to manage it without any influence from the Palestinian Authority.

The group fell silent as they processed the implications of such a decision. Abu Mohammad Mostafa broke the silence, attributing the blame for Gaza's dire state to Hamas for allowing Israel back into power. Reflecting on the past, he expressed regret for having voted for Hamas, lamenting that their actions had led to a situation where the prospect of a free state had vanished, and instead, Gaza faced the risk of reoccupation.

Will the ongoing conflict escalate? Are they at risk of being displaced again? In a recent interview, Netanyahu indicated that Israel does not intend to permanently occupy Gaza but aims to transfer control to unspecified Arab forces—a plan that remains vague regarding which nations would participate or how.

Ziad Aqeel, another friend in the discussion, shared his bleak outlook on Gaza's future under either Israeli control or external Arab military presence, predicting continued suffering for the local population. He maintained that the fear of reoccupation would only lead to more violence, a sentiment echoed in international responses warning of a worsening humanitarian crisis.

As apprehensions grew regarding the involvement of Arab military forces, some residents voiced skepticism, suggesting that their presence would primarily serve Israeli interests. Others, however, held out hope that even temporary intervention could halt ongoing violence. A senior figure in Hamas stated that any foreign military presence would be viewed as an occupying force, reaffirming their commitment to resist all forms of occupation.

Aqeel pointed out the necessity of including the Palestinian Authority in any future governance plans for Gaza, despite its perceived corruption. The PA, created to guide Palestinians towards statehood, is essential for maintaining unity between Gaza and the West Bank and ensuring the continuation of efforts toward self-determination.

Local political figure Waleed Al Awad characterized Netanyahu's plan as horrifying and indicative of an extreme mindset among Israeli leadership. He called for Palestinians to persist in advocating for their rights and to reject any partial solutions, emphasizing that Gaza should remain an integral part of the future state of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital.